Drawing on its experience of accompanying people seeking sanctuary, and inspired by Catholic social teaching, JRS UK says recent asylum laws and policies have undermined international protection by creating barriers to claiming asylum, punishing refugees for the way they travel, and leaving many people in prolonged uncertainty.
The organisation says the new Prime Minister has an opportunity to take a different approach by building an asylum system that protects rather than punishes people seeking sanctuary.
Dr David Ryall, Director of JRS UK, said: “As he begins his premiership, we urge the Prime Minister to embrace a spirit of fraternity and take a new approach to welcoming our sisters and brothers seeking sanctuary.”
The statement also highlights Pope Leo’s recent reminder that the treatment of migrants and refugees is “a litmus test for social justice today”, revealing whether society is guided by fear or fraternity.
Read the full JRS UK statement, including its detailed recommendations for reforming the asylum system, on the Jesuit Refugee Service UK website.
The Jesuit Refugee Service works in more than 50 countries, serving, accompanying and advocating for refugees and other forcibly displaced people.
In the UK, JRS has a particular ministry with people made destitute by the asylum system and those held in immigration detention.
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